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Cockington, Devon
11:46 Jul 18 2010
Times Read: 762

My summer break also took me to the village of Cockington.

In her youth, Agatha Christie would come here regularly to visit friends who were connected with Cockington Court and for the peace and serenity and I guess to be inspired as she wrote Why Didn't They Ask Evans? here.

That’s Cockington Court in the distance. Today it’s used as an art and crafts fair.

Here’s one I’ll throw in. Did you know Agatha Christie suffered from shyness in a very serious way?

Anyway….

Cockington Court also boasts one of the prettiest gardens in England, why is that interesting? Most villages that dwell this close to the sea and the elements aren’t usually mentioned.

It also has some great water features. Phew, gotta catch my breath.

This lazy village in the ‘burbs’ of Torquay seems to have been lost in a time warp. To enter you come down a quiet lane until it just comes up on you. Every home has a thatched roof and is listed, that is to say it is protected under The English Heritage Society. The village is so dated that it has one car park which was only recently developed as the main way to travel is by horse and cart which included the taxi service.

”TAXI”

Because of this form of transport it was necessary to have a stable or two. This village has four but only one is used for its true purpose with the others being turned into trinket and memorabilia type shops for post cards etc.

Finally off to the local post office to post them cards.

It is estimated the village is about 2,500 years old. You can’t buy history but when you come here you sure as hell feel a part of it.

COMMENTS

Theban
12:29 Jul 27 2010

I've still not been to Cockington Court yet.

Dartmouth, as promised.
14:19 Jul 10 2010
Times Read: 786

Put your tongues away America.

Although J. Meade Falkner grew up around Weymouth and Dorchester it was said his inspiration for the novel Moonfleet was based here at Dartmouth.

So what to say about Dartmouth?

If the Americans were to lean in a little closer I’ll whisper, in fact better sit down lest you swoon.

We have detailed records dating back to 1192!! Yes 'full details', that’s called history, I could really stun you and talk about how the Romans had a fortress just up the road from here but that would be showing off!

After hundreds of years of invasions by the Vikings, Normans, Saxons etc, we, this farming nation slowly learnt that what was needed was a navy and a sea defence to guard our estuary’s and much later to guard our freedom.

Here in the distance is the bastillon that is now known as St Petrox Church. It can be reached by road but the walk thereafter put me off. So the best way for me was to travel by sea…. And a sea cab at that!

So majestic its walls loom from a distance!

When we were at war with France and Spain the other side of the estuary had fortified emplacements too. Nowadays it is home to the beautiful village of Kingswear.

The church itself is still active and the site has been added to or rebuilt over the centuries. Just a side note for the Americans, that figure in the brickwork is the date and not the number of bricks used.

Whilst all the women go into the church to admire the beauty of it stain glass windows the boys all come and take pictures of the fortresses toys.

You may find the read on the next three pictures very interesting.

I don’t know what way to go first, back inside or stay out here. Since we’re already in the fresh air…

English heritage is a cherished state of affairs and in the grounds of this fortress lay the hidden secrets and whispers of a world now gone by but never forgotten.

So in we go….

Yep, 6TH century, must be true, churches don’t lie! Lol

What strikes you when you enter the church is the very strong naval presence. Here you see the ensigns of the royal and merchant navy. Also added since the second world war are the local flags of the fisherman that perilously risked their lives getting around Cornwall to help with the evacuation at Dunkirk. When the British navy is on your side freedom is just around the corner.

The interior of the church is going through a face lift but it’s still staying traditional.

I need to step outside now and get the cab back.

I still have loads of pictures and they will be up soon. I hope you enjoyed this part of Dartmouth.

COMMENTS

sahahria
16:53 Jul 10 2010

Love the rich history that different areas have... we have it too in the states, sadly though we discount it because so much of it comes from the Native Americans and is verbally passed along in each tribe. We have lost so very much.

Joli
20:19 Jul 10 2010

Thank you! This was done so well, like going along with you...with American teasing included! I loved learning about a new place I've never been and might never have learned of otherwise.

CarnelianMyst
01:11 Jul 11 2010

I LOVE these! I can almost feel the history! Till I can get there and see for myself, this is the next best thing!

Theban
10:52 Jul 13 2010

Great place and pubs!

Atchoo!!!!!!!!!
10:48 Jul 03 2010
Times Read: 808

I can't believe I survived a winter that had all my friends and family coming down with bad colds and flu only to find myself with a summer cold!! Where's the justice? I need to be on the sea front with an ice-cream damn it.

Anyway, I've uploaded the picture I took from my latest vacation and will have them on here soon.

For now I will get back to dying!

COMMENTS

MyBloodyKisses
11:12 Jul 03 2010

Aww get well soon!

I didn't get any colds in winter but have horrendous hay fever now which is driving me insane! :)